Lions Promote OT Storm Norton To Active Roster, Cut LB Nick Bellore

According to Dave Birkett, the Lions have promoted OT Storm Norton from their practice squad and released LB Nick Bellore to make room for him.

Norton could play as the team’s third offensive tackle in Week 1, given that Corey Robinson is recovering from a foot injury, and OT Brian Mihalik being new to the team.

Norton, 23, signed on with the Lions as an undrafted free agent out of Toledo back in May. Detroit elected to waive him as they trimmed their roster down to the 53-man limit but re-signed him to their practice squad once he cleared waivers.

During his five-year college career at Toledo, Norton earned first-team All-MAC honors, while also being named to the AP All-Bowl Team.

Bellore, 27, originally signed on with the Jets as an undrafted free agent out of Central Michigan. He played out the final year of a two-year $1.69 million contract and was testing the open market as an unrestricted free agent.

Unfortunately, Bellore’s 2016 season ended with him being placed on injured reserve with an elbow injury.

In 2016, Bellore appeared in 14 games for the 49ers and recorded 82 total tackles, one sack, one interception, one fumble recovery and forced fumble, and four pass defenses. ProFootballFocus rates him as the No. 61 overall linebackers out of 87 qualifying players.